Aston Villa may already have another answer to the enormous attacking gap left by Morgan Rogers, with George Hemmings making an increasingly convincing case for a first-team role.
Rogers completed a reported £117million move to Chelsea earlier this summer after developing into one of Unai Emery’s most important attacking players. Villa have already strengthened their squad since his departure, but Hemmings’ progress offers Emery an intriguing internal option as well.
The academy midfielder caught the eye again during Wednesday night’s UEFA Super Cup defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, continuing an impressive pre-season in which he has been given opportunities further forward.
George Hemmings gives Aston Villa another attacking option
Hemmings has traditionally operated through central midfield, but Villa have increasingly used him from the left side of the attacking unit.
That role produced one of Villa’s best moments against PSG.
Hemmings was involved in the move which ended with Brian Madjo scoring Villa’s equaliser, while he also came close to finding the net himself as Emery’s side pushed the Champions League holders. FourFourTwo subsequently identified the youngster as one of Villa’s biggest positives from the game.
It follows a productive summer for Hemmings.
He scored during Villa’s 5-0 victory over Walsall in July and has remained involved around Emery’s senior group throughout pre-season. ReadAstonVilla previously reported that Villa wanted to retain control of Hemmings despite considering a possible loan.
His performances may now force another discussion about whether leaving on loan is still the best option.
Hemmings does not need to become the next Rogers
Expecting Hemmings to immediately replace Rogers would be unfair.
Rogers left Villa after becoming an England international and contributing goals, assists, physical power and ball-carrying across several attacking positions. ReadAstonVilla covered the scale of the hole created when Villa officially confirmed Rogers’ £117m Chelsea transfer.
Villa have also recruited Johan Manzambi and Alejandro Garnacho as Emery reshapes his attacking options.
Hemmings therefore does not need to carry Rogers’ old workload by himself.
What he can do is give Emery another home-grown player capable of operating between midfield and attack, carrying the ball into dangerous areas and contributing around the penalty box.
That could become particularly valuable across a season containing Premier League and Champions League football.
Only weeks ago, a loan appeared a realistic next step for Hemmings. His performances this summer have made that decision considerably more interesting.
Villa received £117m for Rogers and will continue spending to rebuild the squad.
But one of the answers to replacing what they lost may already be developing at Bodymoor Heath.
